Would My Disability Change If They Raise the Retirement Age?
Recently some politicians have discussed raising the Social Security retirement age to 69. If you receive disability, you may wonder: would a change in Social Security benefits affect your SSDI?
Fortunately, you should be just fine. Here’s what you need to know and how possible changes in Social Security could impact you.
The Difference Between SSDI and Regular Social Security Retirement Payments
SSDI is for people with disabilities who cannot work, while regular Social Security retirement payments are for people who have reached a certain age and are ready to retire. Both are funded through regular workers’ taxes. But the requirements to qualify for these payments are different for each program.
First, SSDI is for workers who become disabled and unable to work. It functions like insurance: you pay into the system by working and paying your taxes. Then, if you become disabled, you may apply to collect SSDI to cover your basic expenses.
On the other hand, regular Social Security retirement payments are for people who have reached a certain age – usually around 65 – and have worked and paid Social Security taxes throughout their lives. These payments are like a retirement fund that you get from the government, funded by your own taxes.
Once you reach the eligible age, you can start receiving these regular Social Security payments, and they will continue for the rest of your life.
How SSDI and Retirement Work Together
Unlike retirement payments, SSDI payments can change if your health and work situation changes. They also stop automatically when you reach retirement age.
At that moment, your normal Social Security retirement benefits pick up instead. These payments are generally the same amount as your SSDI payments, so financially you won’t notice a difference.
If the government chose to extend the retirement age to 69 (or any age), this automatic system would continue regardless. So if you already receive SSDI, you shouldn’t notice a change.
That said, the Social Security system is under real financial strain at the moment. It’s possible lawmakers might make changes to SSDI down the road.
Help When Changes in Social Security Benefits Affect Your SSDI
If you’re concerned about getting SSDI or how the process works, we’re here to help.
Our Memphis SSDI lawyers have helped people get their disability benefits for decades. We can answer your questions, including whether changes in Social Security benefits affect your SSDI.
We offer free resources to help you apply for SSDI the first time around.
But the appeals process is where we really shine.
Remember, the SSA denies the majority of disability claims on the first try. After that, you have 60 days to appeal. Our attorneys manage your appeal, including:
- gathering evidence
- strengthening your claim, and
- representing you in court.
What’s more, we don’t win anything unless you do, and even that payment is limited to a small percentage of your past-due benefits. You keep everything moving forward.
So don’t wait to get started. Contact us today at 901-327-2100 or by using the form on this page.